Latin patriarch fears attacks during papal visit to Holy Land

Fears about security are rising in Israel amid concerns that Pope Francis’ pilgrimage could be disrupted by extremists. Following a series of threats to Christians, and the ­desecration of several holy sites, Israel’s most senior Catholic cleric has warned of a “wave of extremist terror” in the Jewish state.

The threat of a possible attack timed to coincide with the Pope’s visit later this month is thought to come from far-right Jewish groups over plans for Francis to hold a Mass at the Cenacle, believed to be the site of the Last Supper, but which is also adjacent to King David’s Tomb. The extremist groups believe, despite denials by the Government, that Israel may be about to hand over sovereignty of the Cenacle to the Vatican.

Hundreds of protesters gathered there on Monday to oppose the rumoured deal. Meanwhile, a death threat has appeared on a building belonging to the Vatican where Francis is scheduled to meet the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Daubed in Hebrew on the offices of the Assembly of Bishops at the Notre Dame Centre in Jerusalem were the words: “Death to Arabs and Christians and all those who hate Israel.” Offensive anti-Christian messages also appeared on a Catholic church near a Jewish Orthodox neighbourhood, including the words: “David is for the Jews. Jesus is garbage.”

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Fouad Twal said that a wave of fanaticism and intimidation against Christians was “poisoning” the festive spirit in the city in the run-up to the historic visit. “Currently, the acts of unrestrained vandalism are poisoning the atmosphere, an atmosphere of coexistence, cooperation, two weeks before the visit of Pope Francis,” he continued.

The Vatican has expressed alarm over intimidation of Christians in the Holy Land and urged Israel to safeguard Christian holy sites. The Catholic Church in Jerusalem said that “it was very concerned about the lack of security” for Christian property and what it called the “lack of responsiveness from the political sector”. It feared “an escalation of violence” on Christian sites.

Secret services believe those responsible are Tag Mehir, an extremist right-wing Jewish organisation that opposes any government attempt to prevent settlement building. The hard core is said to consist of 100 or so members but is supported by other groups that share its goal, which is to subvert a political solution with the Palestinians. The frequency of attacks has risen sharply in the past month since the Israeli military demolished part of an illegal West Bank settlement. The Pope is due to visit Israel, Jordan, the West Bank and Jerusalem between 24 and 26 May. Nine days of special prayer have been organised in the Holy Land and elsewhere in preparation for the pastoral visit, asking that the pilgrimage bear fruit of peaceful coexistence in all the Middle East.